Congratulations on being 12 weeks pregnant. The first trimester of pregnancy is an exciting time as your baby starts to grow and develop. A visit to your ob-gyn at 12 weeks is crucial to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
During your appointment, your ob-gyn will perform various tests such as blood pressure, urine test, and weight check to ensure that your health is on track. Additionally, your ob-gyn will perform a fetal ultrasound to check on your baby’s growth, heartbeat, and development. The ultrasound will also determine the expected due date.
Apart from the routine tests, here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during pregnancy:
Do’s:
1. Take your prenatal vitamins daily to ensure that you and your baby are getting the required nutrients.
2. Eat a healthy and balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein to aid in your baby’s growth and development.
3. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
4. Get plenty of rest as your body is going through several changes.
5. Exercise moderately to aid in the regulation of blood sugar and provide a boost of energy.
6. Wear comfortable clothing that accommodates your growing belly.
Don’ts:
1. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and drugs as they can severely harm your baby’s growth and development.
2. Avoid high-mercury fish such as shark, mackerel, and swordfish as they can affect your baby’s nervous system.
3. Refrain from eating raw or undercooked meat, eggs, and seafood as they can cause foodborne illness.
4. Do not use harsh chemicals such as pesticides and cleaning agents as they can be harmful to your baby.
Now let’s talk about the best foods and vegetables to eat during pregnancy. Eating a variety of food items from all food groups will help in providing adequate nutrition to you and your baby. Here are a few must-have food items:
1. Leafy greens such as spinach and kale are high in vitamins and minerals such as calcium and iron.
2. Berries such as strawberries and blueberries are high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
3. Whole grains such as brown rice and whole wheat bread are a good source of fiber and vitamins.
4. Lean protein like chicken, fish, and beans help in the development of the baby’s organs and tissues.
5. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are high in calcium, which helps in the growth of the baby’s bones.
Apart from a healthy diet, lifestyle habits play a vital role in a healthy pregnancy. Here are a few lifestyle changes to make for a smooth pregnancy:
1. Stay away from stress, or engaging in stress-relieving activities like yoga and meditation.
2. Book a prenatal massage to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation.
3. Maintain a healthy weight throughout pregnancy.
4. Stay away from any toxic environments or radiation.
5. Plan for ways to stay engaged with your baby such as reading about pregnancy and scheduling time for prenatal classes.
If you require any fertility treatments such as IVF, IUI, ICSI, or surrogacy, your ob-gyn will provide you with a thorough understanding of the treatment process and the recommended path for you to take. IVF is a process where the egg and the sperm are fertilized outside the body in a lab and then implanted in the uterus. IUI, or Intrauterine Insemination, involves placing washed semen directly into the uterus to increase the chances of fertilization. ICSI is a process where the sperm is injected directly into the egg to promote fertilization. Surrogacy involves having a surrogate carry the baby to term.
In conclusion, a 12 weeks ob-gyn appointment is crucial to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Remember to follow the do’s and don’ts, eat healthy and engage in good habits and lifestyle practices. Follow your ob-gyn’s recommendations, and you’ll be on your way to a healthy and successful pregnancy.